Executive functions are self-regulating skills that we use every single day. Imagine a child sitting in the classroom during a typical school day. They must pay attention to something even if they find it boring, tune out any distractions, suppress their impulses that may get them into trouble, try to retain multiple pieces of information in their brain simultaneously, and switch between different rules. These executive function skills, the ability to focus, ignore distractions, hold pieces of information, and adapt to changing circumstances, are essential for learning, behavior, and developme ..read more

The idea of using video games in the classroom may sound like an oxymoron, but it’s clear that when students are engaged, they are learning. Using video games in the classroom as an innovative approach to engage students can work. According to research, game-based learning can motivate learners to be engaged over longer periods as well as develop their social and emotional skills. Additionally, one study found that video games can help students with ADHD focus. By incorporating video games into your curriculum, you are not just entertaining students; you are helping them de ..read more

The Science Behind Brain Breaks Most educators experience students’ glazed eyes, heads down, whispering, texting under the table and disruptive classroom behavior. While frustrating to teachers, these behaviors indicate that students are overdue for a brain break. Dr. Judy Willis, author of “Research-based Strategies to Ignite Student Learning: Insights from Neuroscience and the Classroom” informs educators that the requests for water, bathroom, and behavior flare-ups may not be excuses to skip out on work. Granted, let’s be honest, sometimes they are! However, teachers who understand bra ..read more

A total solar eclipse is coming this April 2024. This rare, astrological event is a perfect classroom learning opportunity, offering a way to ignite students’ curiosity and stimulate their interest in science and the universe. Utilize this impending eclipse as an opportunity to spark a heightened interest in scientific exploration and create an enriching learning experience filled with exciting, interactive activities. What is a Solar Eclipse? A solar eclipse occurs when the moon is in a position that is directly between the Earth and the sun. This alignment causes the Earth’s shadow to tempor ..read more

Despite the widespread use of technology in the classroom, handwriting remains an essential skill for academic success. Cultivating neat penmanship among elementary students can prove challenging since students’ fine motor skills can develop at different stages. However, with a little practice and strategic encouragement, you can improve your student’s handwriting skills making them more legible. The Importance of Good Handwriting Research suggests that writing by hand engages the brain more than if you were typing on a keyboard. It also improves your memory and understanding of what you are l ..read more

In today’s classrooms, technology is a fundamental component of both teaching and learning. From individual laptops to interactive whiteboards to tablets loaded with educational apps, tech tools have transformed our classrooms. There’s no denying that technology is a powerful tool to have in the classroom, however, despite the numerous benefits, more people are realizing the importance of taking a step back and unplugging from technology. Taking a tech break offers relief to both teachers and students as well as promotes a classroom environment that engages interaction and supports various lea ..read more

Focus walls have emerged as an effective tool in today’s classrooms, and for good reason. They provide a vibrant visual representation that can capture the student’s attention and deepen their understanding of the material. They serve as both an anchor and a reference point for students, offering an interactive and engaging learning experience. Here, we’ll examine the concept of focus walls and their impact on learning and explore some creative ideas for implementing them in your classroom. What are Focus Walls? Focus walls are dedicated spaces in the classroom where learning objectives, key c ..read more

The silence of unengaged students who are hesitant to raise their hands or voice their thoughts can be deafening for teachers. It’s one thing when the classroom is silent because students are concentrating on a task or taking a test, but it’s another thing when the silence is due to a lack of engagement. How do we break this silence and boost student participation in our classroom? Here we’ll dive into strategies to encourage more active participation and examine why participation matters to students and educators. Breaking the Silence To transform a muted classroom into an actively engaged on ..read more

Educational technology, also known as edtech, has emerged as a powerful ally for educators in the classroom offering a range of tools to enhance instructional methods, engage students, and create a dynamic and interactive learning experience for students. From learning management systems to collaborative platforms and educational games, the best edtech tools equip teachers with the resources they need to create a personalized learning environment that caters to diverse learning styles. Here are some of the best edtech tools to keep in your toolbox. Learning Management Systems Google Classroom ..read more

As students move into middle and high school, it becomes increasingly challenging for them to maintain excitement and enthusiasm for subjects like math and science. This difficulty could be because this age group tends to be distracted by their social life and other outside activities, which makes it hard for teachers to capture and hold their student’s attention. Employing innovative strategies to reignite students’ interest is essential to address this challenge. Here we’ll explore a few key areas to help you make science class more appealing so your older students will get excited about sci ..read more